CALCUTTA 
63: 
rainy season. The former he seemed incHned to prefer, in which I 
concurred, as my intentions were to visit Ceylon and the Mysore, 
which I could not do this season ; and without that, the Madras 
plan would be only so much time thrown away. He repeatedly 
begged me to point out in what manner I wished for his assistance, 
and assured me, that I should have it in the fullest manner, both as 
to passports, and even escorts when necessary. He gave me a 
general invitation to his table, both in town and country : and ob- 
served that, although strictly speaking, no rank was known in 
India, except from official situation, yet he should certainly give 
me the precedency of every body, except the immediate members 
of the executive government. 
February 4. — For several days past I have felt myself consider- 
ably indisposed with a violent cold, so much so indeed, as to 
confine me to the house. I have, however, received the visits of 
a number of friends of Mr. Graham, and of the gentlemen attach- 
ed to his Excellency's person, and have paid my respects to the 
Members of Council and Judges, on whom, as composing the exe- 
cutive Government, I waited on my arrival. This day I dined with 
his Excellency, and was received with the same politeness and atten- 
tion as on my first visit. Having consulted my friend Mr. Graham, 
I had definitively resolved to proceed for Lucknow, as soon as the 
necessary preparations could be made : this I notified to his Excel- 
lency, and he assured me, that every order should be given, that 
could render my reception satisfactory, at the different stations 
through which I had to pass on my journey. 
February 15.---For these several days past my time has been 
most completely occupied in receiving and paying visits, and in a 
